CHANGES
To stay informed during the pandemic, go to CanadianMusician.com/coronavirus for regular updates and resources
for musicians and industry professionals.
Canadian Musician Shares Free "Pushing Through the
Pandemic" eBook
In order to help our readers and friends in the Canadian music community, Canadian Musician
has compiled a free ebook (PDF format) called Pushing Through the Pandemic. The goal is to
help musicians navigate the COVID-19 crisis, highlighting key sources of financial relief and
resources for creators, as well as exclusive career-building tips to keep them productive.
In the ebook, musicians can learn about livestreaming, home recording, boosting their
streaming revenue, asking fans for support, and more. As well, it provides a thorough overview
of the various relief programs available to both individuals and businesses from government,
non-profits, or music industry companies and organizations.
Download or read Pushing Through the Pandemic at www.canadianmusician.com/pushing.
CERB Eligibility Amended to Include Artists & Other Gig
Workers; $500 Million Going to Arts, Culture & Sports
Sectors
On April 15 th , Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister of Canadian Heritage Steven
Guilbeault confirmed an important amendment to the eligibility criteria of the federal
government’s Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) program. The change ensured
that musicians and other gig workers would not be excluded from the $2,000-per-month
emergency relief benefit that was set up to help Canadians who lost their jobs because of
the COVID-19 pandemic.
Importantly, Minister Guilbeault confirmed royalty payments for prior copyrighted works
will not prevent creators from qualifying for benefits. As well, anyone who had lost income
because of the
pandemic, but
who is still mak-
ing $1,000 per
month or less, is
also able to top-
up their income
by applying for
the CERB.
Based on the
prior wording
of the program’s
eligibility criteria,
PM JUSTIN TRUDEAU
many musicians
had worried that if they received even a small amount of royalties, such as from SOCAN or
their labels, it would disqualify them from receiving CERB relief benefits, even though the
shutdowns prevent them from performing and earning the bulk of their monthly income.
12 CANADIAN MUSICIAN
$500 Million in Aid
Going to Arts,
Culture & Sports
Sectors
A couple of days later,
on April 17 th , the Prime
Minister also announced
that the government
will spend $500 million
through Heritage Canada
to support Canadians
working in the arts, cul-
ture, and sports sectors.
Outside of that broad
announcement, little is
known thus far about how
that $500 million will be
distributed.
For more information on
the federal government’s
COVID-19 response and
related programs, includ-
ing how to apply for CERB
payments, go to
www.canada.ca.